Member Reviews

This is such a lovely book. It us part of a series (which I was not aware of), but it makes perfect sense as a standalone too. We have a southern gentleman, an actual real life princess, an island I'd love to visit, cute moments with orphans, funny moments with siblings, and a romance like no other. Really enjoyed the audiobook, big thanks to Netgalley for the chance to review this gem.

Was this review helpful?

Pepper Basham delivers again! When Izzy's brother Luke comes to Skylar for a visit to share his skills by working on an ancient orphanage, he's all royalled out before he even makes it out of the airport. The interaction is fabulous and just what we need to whet our appetites for some good old fashioned fun! While not everything is quite as it seems with the stunning, hammer-wielding Duchess, Luke seems to be the only one out of the loop! Seriously, the stares, the longing, the sweet way these two just connect! Pick this gem up now to find out how they get to their happily ever even when a kingdom and an ocean rise up between them!!

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed this fun series and Loyally, Luke was a great addition to it. Luke is such a likable, good guy, not to mention swoon-worthy flannel loving carpenter. He is in Skymar to do some remodel work. As the only boy in a family of three sisters, two biological and one a cousin raised by his parents, Luke knows more about girl movies than a fellow should. To compensate, he watches plenty of action flicks, like Rambo, Mission Impossible, and others. This is a lighthearted and humorous story with laugh out loud moments and with many sweet and romantic ones as Luke works on an orphanage with and develops a friendship with Ellie, a real princess. There is an attraction but how can a country boy from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina have more with a real princess? Sweet romance with a foundation of faith. I recommend for those who love romance in an impossible situation.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

I got through over 70% of this audio book and just had to stop. I had zero desire to continue even though I was done and bored by chapter 3. It felt a little ironic that Luke talked about how much he hated hallmark movies because this felt like a hallmark movie in audio book form. I can appreciate a solid hallmark movie, but this missed all of the marks for me. Besides being completely predictable it was very odd how the MCs suddenly felt so intensely for each other without much build up to that. I tried my hardest but could not finish this book. The narration was excellent, but the story left so much to be desired. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This book was easy to read and I really did love Luke and Ellie together, but it was a little too cheesy for me. Also, the accents on the audio were very poorly done, especially the southern accent…it was really hard to listen to. Overall, it was cute and sweet, but not something I’d read again.

Was this review helpful?

Loyally, Luke is perfect for any romcom reader looking for a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. I loved the main characters and thought Luke was one of the best MMC's I've read in a long time with his grouchy yet sweet demeanor!

Was this review helpful?

Loyally Luke was such a sweet audiobook! A handsome commoner meets a secret princess! I just wish this was a real place so I could go visit!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this book. The narrator did a great job. Very easy to listen to. Pepper Basham can do no wrong.

Was this review helpful?

This is a stand alone novel in a trilogy following siblings finding their happily ever afters. The Christian phrases thrown into this book felt strange and forced. I did not enjoy that however I do love a sappy romance so I still give it 3 stars. This is a completely closed door romance and I don’t believe there was any profanity either so if that’s what you are looking for this is 100% your book.

# Loyally, Luke
# 7/11/2024 ~ 7/13/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0

Was this review helpful?

This one was pretty good and I think it’s mainly because the MMC is just such a loveable character. When she says loyal, she means it. He’s a big kind of grumpy teddy bear and the way he interacts with the kids is so darn cute. Add in some funny moments and a main character that is determined not to fall in love and you’ll have this cute book. The romance is so soft and both characters are just so kind and caring that it made this one a wholesome and wonderful book.

Was this review helpful?

This was a lukewarm (pardon the pun) royal romance that left me feeling just "meh" The characters had no chemistry at all and Luke's insistence at finding a woman who was "not like other girls" was infuriating. Overall a very lackluster listen.

Was this review helpful?

I love this family and have enjoyed reading about each of their experiences with "finding 'the One.'" And "Loyally, Luke" was just as good as the rest of books in this series of standalones!

As the only boy in a family of sisters, Luke's had to put up with a lot of stuff along the way, especially Hallmark movies and rom-coms... So, he overcompensates by steeping himself in Rambo and Indiana Jones movies, and wearing flannel.

He temporarily leaves his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains to do some short-term restoration work in the small European country of Skymar, where he has a meet-cute with a Grace Kelly lookalike. But he soon learns that she is heading up one of the projects he has come to Skymar to work on. So, there's no avoiding her.

There are fun jabs at various romance tropes throughout the book, and I love Luke as a person. He is so wise and sweet, while pretending to be gruff and grumpy. There were some pretty wonderful conversations between Luke and Ellie throughout the story that were swoonworthy.

Thank you to Pepper Basham, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary writers, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Was this review helpful?

This quick and enjoyable read was a delightful escape, populated with well-written characters that felt fun and engaging throughout the story. The author's engaging prose and witty dialogue made for a captivating experience that left me wanting more. The fast-paced plot kept me hooked from beginning to end, and the satisfying conclusion left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read that will leave them feeling uplifted and satisfied.

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read the others in the series but likely will after reading this. It was a little slow moving

Was this review helpful?

The narrators were hard to listen to, very different paces for the different voices. Story was fine but the narrators made it a DNF

Was this review helpful?

I adore the world of Skymar and was in so much excited anticipation for Luke's story. And I was not disappointed. I loved catching up with Penelope and Izzys lives and exploring the town and history of Skymar more. Luke had such a lovely sweet romance, it was giving me all the Gilbert Blythe vibes! 4.5 Stars rounded up!

Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Was this review helpful?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I hadn’t read the others in this series but I will go back and do so!! It’s so absolutely amazing! It’s full of amazing and powerful dialogue. I love all the movie references and banter. Perfect.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

What a cute book! I will admit that I haven’t read the other Edgewood books, but I may go back and do so now! This was a slow burn but once it got going it kept my interested throughout. Elliana and Luke are both likable characters that have you cozy feel good vibes. I do like my contemporary romances a bit steamier but this one had me smiling nonetheless. The audiobook production was wonderful and I’m glad I listened rather than read! I’d give this 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

Was this review helpful?

Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham is a delightful, light-hearted beach read! Right from the start, the author makes you fall in love with the characters, especially Luke. The story revolves around a princess who falls head over heels for a down-to-earth carpenter from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Despite everything pointing to a future with him, her past decisions have lead her to try and embrace her role in the royal family. Let this book take you on an adventure of unexpected love! I will definitely be reading more books by Pepper Basham!

Was this review helpful?

what a wholesome read! I had no idea I was jumping into the middle of a series but this was exactly what I needed. there were some aspects that I really enjoyed.

the cutest characters- a selfless construction worker and the kindest princess

the prettiest setting- european countryside

the best tropes- royalty, small town, found family, workplace

this gave off all the hallmark vibes! while it was a little insta-love for me, I found myself rooting for grace and luke from the beginning. read if you like the princess diaries or any rom com ever! thank you to net galley for the copy.

Was this review helpful?